Govt Guidance On SafeKey Rules Now In Effect

[Updated] The Government is providing additional clarity on SafeKey, with “updated adjustments to the Public Health Regulations and protocols effective today at 6.00pm.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The Government is providing the following general reminders for persons who need to access SafeKey.

“As the public is aware, SafeKey will be required for patrons of indoor public spaces where masks are permitted to be removed, namely; indoor dining, bars, clubs, and sports/members clubs as well as attending a gym/fitness facility.

“SafeKey will also be required to board all Island Boats with more than 20 passengers, and is required for the granting of all new large group exemptions.

“These updated adjustments to the Public Health Regulations and protocols are effective today at 6.00 pm. This is due to increase in transmission we have recently experienced, and to allow indoor activities to continue with a reduced risk of coronavirus spread.

“As a note, employees of these establishments are not required to have SafeKey in order to go to work as all employees are required to remain masked at all times.

“The Government appreciates that there are members of the community who still need clarity in accessing a SafeKey.

“In that regard the public is encouraged to visit www.safekey.gov.bm. There they will find tutorials and information on how to access and download their SafeKey.

“As a general reminder, a COVID-19 SafeKey is valid only when presented together with a matching identification document such as an identity card, passport, or driver’s license.

“Customers and service users should ensure that they have a valid COVID-19 SafeKey that matches their identification in order to access COVID-19 SafeKey activities or services.

“All residents who are fully immunized can access their vaccine-based Safekeys online at www.gov.bm/vaccine-certificate.

“Vaccine-based SafeKeys are valid for a month. Renewing expired vaccine-based Safekeys can be done by any SafeKey holder by going to www.gov.bm/vaccine-certificate and entering your details to generate your next SafeKey.

“Residents who have had vaccine doses overseas can request a certificate and Safekey by sending an email to vaccines@gov.bm and by providing their most recent travel [TA # or name used for travel]. The vaccine certificates team will be able to look up their immunisation documentation used for travel to then create and issue a certificate and SafeKey to them by email.

“For unimmunised residents, they can access test-based SafeKeys by getting tested for COVID-19 at a government testing location [see locations and times available at https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-get-tested].

“A link to the SafeKey document will be included in the negative test result email. Test-based SafeKeys are valid for 72 hours [3 days after the test day].

“Further SafeKey guidance relating to businesses, organisations and travellers can be found at www.safekey.gov.bm or by clicking on the following links:

• SafeKey Guidance for Restaurants
• SafeKey Guidance for Restaurant Patrons
• SafeKey Wallet Information and Instructions
• SafeKey Wallet

“Additionally, the Government has launched SafeKey Wallet, which is an app that allows persons to scan and store their SafeKey documents for easy access. Using SafeKey Wallet keeps your documents in one place, and saves users from having to print or look through their phone to find their SafeKey.

“SafeKey Wallet can be accessed here: SafeKey Wallet. It is important to note that the app can only store one SafeKey at a time. Further information and instructions on SafeKey Wallet can be found here: SafeKey Wallet Information and Instructions.”

Update 7.05pm: A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors recognises that some seniors may have difficulty accessing SafeKey certificates.

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, shared, “We encourage family members, friends, and charities to assist seniors who may not have access to a computer, printer, or smartphone and who may not be familiar with the use of such devices, to obtain their SafeKey Certificates.

“We wish to remind the public that tutorials and information on how to access and download their SafeKey Certificate can be found by visiting www.safekey.gov.bm

Immunised Residents

“All residents who are fully immunized can access their vaccine-based SafeKeys online at www.gov.bm/vaccine-certificate. Vaccine-based SafeKeys are valid for a month. Renewing expired vaccine-based SafeKeys can be done by any SafeKey holder by going to www.gov.bm/vaccine-certificate and entering your details to generate your next SafeKey.

Unimmunised Residents

“Unimmunised residents can access test-based SafeKeys by getting tested for Covid-19 at a government testing location [see locations and times available at https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-get-tested]. A link to the SafeKey document will be included in the negative test result email. Test-based SafeKeys are valid for 72 hours [3 days after the test day].

Minister Furbert concluded, “Our Ministry will assist with the printing of SafeKey certificates for seniors who do not have access to assistance to print their own. All inquiries should be made directly to the Ministry at 444-2466 or via email to halister@gov.bm. Please note that the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors is not open for walk-in access to the public.”

You can find more information on the links below and also on our dedicated website BermudaCovid.com, which is the most comprehensive resource and historic record available of Bermuda’s handling of the pandemic.

• All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
• Bermuda Stats: Chart of testing stats here
• Vaccinations: Data covering vaccinations here

#Covid19 #CovidSafeKey #Health

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